Changing from One raid to Another raid Controller

[Navaneeda Kumar]

Hi,
I have a Dl 380 Server installed with 2 Smart Array (Internal 6i and 641 Controller)RAID controllers.
3 SCSI Hdd connected with 641 Controller and installed Windows 2003 Server. Now i want to move the HDD connection from 641 Controller to Internal 6iRaid Controller.I want to do this activity without lossing the data and without installing the Operating system again.
So is there is any way to achieve this task.

Thanks,
Navaneet

[Chris Saindon]

Hello Navaneeda,

You can do this without problem but make sure to check a few things.

-Make sure you are using the latest controller driver
-Make sure to change the boot controller from the BIOS (F9)
-I recommend having the latest support pack installed
-Use all the latest firmwares on the server
-Have a good backup, just incase

Other than that, you should be fine.

Chris

[Chris Saindon]

Proliant Support Pack 7.50 (Windows 2000)
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/23300.html

Proliant Support Pack 7.50 (Windows 2003)
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/23301.html

Firmware Maintenance CD
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/24777.html

[Navaneeda Kumar]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
After installing the latest PSP 7.5 can i directly change the connection from Smart array 641 to Onboard 6i controller???

Because in my previous setup i was using smart array 641 with OS and changed to Smart Array 642. Then my OS not boots and gives Blue screen with 642 controller.

Thanks,
Navaneet

[Chris Saindon]

As long as you've followed the steps in my above post, you should be fine.

I've only seen 1 problem when upgrading arrays and it was from a 5i to a 6i and it was just a driver issue.

[Navaneeda Kumar]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I will install the PSP 7.5 first and change the connectivity from 641 to 6i controller.

Is anything changes required for changing 641 to 642 controller???

I have a question. IF i have a 641 contrlller and i am installling the PSP7.5
then it will take the driver for 642 also???

[Chris Saindon]

Hello,

The 641 and 642 are the same card. The only difference is that 1 is a single port and the other is a dual port card.

If the server was bluescreening, you may have had a damaged controller, or it may have been installed incorrectly, or it may have had a much older firmware on it. I would need to troubleshoot it to give you a definite answer. It's a possible that a repair of the O/S will help.

As for the other question, simply installing the PSP will not solve your issue. You must update the drivers (installing the PSP will do this) and the firmware. Not just the array controller firmware but the BIOS as well. You may be able to just swap the cards and everything is fine, but I wouldn't without first checking the items listed in my original post.

Chris

[Steven Clementi · Accepted solution]

"Is anything changes required for changing 641 to 642 controller???"

Yes.

The reason the server BSOD'ed was probably because the OS did not know that it was booting from the 642. It also probably did not know it even HAD a 642.

If you can install the 642 into the server while the 641 is in place, Windows will detect the card, populate the registry with the proper entries and THEN you should be able to swap the cards.

This is true for ANY Smart Array. (or at least should be).

Since your 641 is the boot device and the 6i is already recognized by the OS, you should have no problem moving the disks to the 6i.

Steven

[Navaneeda Kumar]

Hello Steven,

Thanks and your points make me to complete this job.
Alos write me your email id...

Thanks,
Navaneet

[Steven Clementi]

steven@ccstechnologies.com

I don't take checks by e-mail though. (only coupons ;o) )

Steven